Algebra Demystified 2nd Ed

1

chapter

1

Fractions

Being able to perform arithmetic with fractions is one of the most basic skills

that we use in algebra. Though you might feel the fraction arithmetic that we

learn in this chapter is not necessary (most calculators can do these computa-

tions for us), the methods that we develop in this chapter will help us when

working with the kinds of fractions that frequently occur in algebra.

CHAPTER OBJECTIVES

In this chapter, you will

• Multiply and divide fractions


• Simplify fractions


• Add and subtract fractions having like denominators


• Add and subtract fractions having unlike denominators


• Convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions


• Simplify compound fractions


• Translate English sentences into mathematical symbols